Sunday, 31 January 2016

After 5 days the pigeon with the broken wing finally picked off the bandage ! I have been giving it an anti inflammatory every day and this should have helped. The broken wing is now in a more natural position, but I will keep it in a confined brooding box for a few more days before putting it outside in the aviary. I want to make sure the wing has healed enough to allow gradual use before final release.

Meanwhile it enjoys the company of a ducks Photo, plenty of food and TLC, not to mention missing all the horrendous weather !

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

Yet another Pigeon casualty visiting the garden. This one was trailing one wing on the ground and reluctant to fly. Easily caught, I had a close look and could see and feel the wing has been broken at the wrist. It has already started to mend in the wrong position and the wrist is a complex area for a break. I have bandaged it into a more correct position, but might be too late for a full fix, time will tell.

Saturday, 23 January 2016

The annual Trustees meeting of the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust took place last week.

All trustees were present except our Avian adviser who lives in Swindon and manages her own sanctuary.Items discussed were how to eliminate the annual shortfall in funds - by recruiting more members, and the production of Trust related merchandise, like a 12 page Swan Calendar and perhaps other items for next Christmas. These items can be pre ordered by members in time for Christmas gift giving. Trust membership has now reached 160 which includes family members. We also discussed the possibility of applying for Nurturing Nairnshire funds which will be looked into. One other major item for discussion was how we can offset the heavy increased predation by Crows on the new seasons cygnets and ducklings. The Trust has asked for and been given advice from SNH and others in this regard.

One tactic which proved valuable last year was putting a dead Crow on the Swans island as a warning and deterrent to other crows to keep away during hatching time.

The trust would like to repeat this and ask anyone who can supply a few dead Crows, perhaps road kills that I could freeze and then use during the cygnet hatching time to get in touch. Hoodie Crows are the biggest killers on the river, so having two or three placed around the Swans island might be a great help. The Trust would be entitled to use humane trapping methods, but this location might be upsetting to some people. Predation and dog disturbance of nesting ducks on the riverside means that more ducks are choosing to nest throughout the town away from the riverside. This means safer hatching , but often a long dangerous trek to a watercourse.

Crossing busy roads and often Ducklings unable to escape from enclosed gardens or unusual places is a survival problem. With this in mind, the Trust will now have a mobile bird rescue number for members of the public to call or text. This will allow us to assist any mother duck with a trapped brood to get to safety.

We had occasion to do this successfully several times last year. Maybe one day when we get a road bypass the ducks will stand less chance of being run over ! The library photo display organised by our secretary Morag Paterson, was lauded by many and gratefully acknowledged.

Tuesday, 19 January 2016

The proposal to increase ship to ship oil transfers in the Cromarty Firth gets a resounding NO from the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust. The Moray Firth is a narrow stretch of water and any accidental spill would be a calamity for the area. The Marine and coastal environment is precious and needs protection at all times. On behalf of our 159 members I have signed the online petition launched by the petition site.

The past couple of weeks produced many exhausted seabirds washed up on the shores of the entire firth due to weather and tidal conditions, just imagine if an oil spill occurred during this time as well. I hope our local and regional councillors will also voice their official opposition to this proposal ! Anyone wishing to sign the online petition can do so HERE.

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Yet another Little Auk stranded on Nairn Beach this morning. A local dog walker brought me this Little Auk he found on central beach, it was exhausted and appears to have been blown off course with many other sea birds in recent days.

These Arctic birds usually live and feed on plankton on the open sea during winter. It remains to be seen if it will survive.UPDATE: In spite of my best efforts, sadly the Little Auk died within a few hours.

Tuesday, 5 January 2016

The annual Trustee meeting of the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust will be held on the 18th January.Any Members wishing to raise any points for discussion are welcome to contact any trustee before this time with suggestions on matters concerning the Trust and it's activities. The current Trustees are Martin Shand Chair, Morag Paterson Secretary, Joe Telfer Treasurer, and Sue Hulbert Avian Adviser. Trust email contact is, jayteescot1@hotmail.com or write 10 Douglas street Nairn IV124DJ.

Meanwhile I have just completed the Annual Accounts for the year 2015 - summary as follows : Outgoings £3178- 34. Income £2674 -04, This results in a deficit of £504-30, which is half the amount of last years deficit. The Trust has now been established for 3 years and membership is currently 158, most of whom are local. As Founder and Treasurer I would like to Thank all members for their continued support and goodwill.We will continue to look after the welfare of our river birds and their environment.

WE ARE CUSTODIANS OF THE PLANET AND HAVE A DUTY TO CARE FOR IT.
For the past 13 years I've had the privilege of watching and caring for the resident Swans on our local river estuary. I have been charmed and fascinated by their parental skills and beauty in the water, they are Simply Superb Swans.
Annual Membership to the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust is £20 for a family, can be paid securely through the PayPal Donate button below.
Thank you.

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EMERGENCY RESCUE CONTACT DETAILS

EMERGENCY BIRD RESCUE, CONTACT The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust, PHONE or TEXT 0774861 6587. or email jayteescot1@hotmail.com Ducks often nest in gardens and unusual places in the Town, where the hatched ducklings are unable to get to a watercourse safely. The Trust will catch Mother and ducklings and get them to safety. Please do not throw bread to ducklings as this will only attract predators that will kill them.

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EMERGENCY RESCUE CONTACT INFORMATION

To contact the River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust in the event of a local emergency. Regarding injured or trapped birds, Phone or text 07748616587. or email jayteescot1@hotmail.com .Ducks often nest in gardens and unusual places where hatched ducklings cannot reach a watercourse safely. The Trust will collect the mother and Ducklings and get them to safety. Please do not throw bread to them, as this will only attract predators that will kill the ducklings !